Description
A cozy and quick beef orzo dish with a rich tomato cream sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup (170 g) orzo
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- A handful of fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep and mise en place: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the Parmesan. Measure out your orzo and open the can of crushed tomatoes.
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the ground beef, sear without stirring for 2 minutes, then break it up and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the aromatics: Push the beef to the side, add more olive oil if needed, and sauté the onion for 4–5 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the tomato base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, then add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Add broth and orzo: Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer, and stir in orzo and the browned beef. Reduce heat and cook for 9–12 minutes until orzo is al dente.
- Finish with cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Rest, garnish, and serve: Remove from heat, let sit for 2 minutes, then stir in chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth. For best results, avoid overcooking the orzo.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: beef orzo, comfort food, quick dinner, Italian recipe, weeknight meal